Vox - Valvetronix VT40X - 40W Modeling Guitar Amplifier - Black

Product Information

These allow selection of class A or class AB, as well as shifting the bias voltage from normal to either cold or hot modes. Both buttons change the VT40X's dynamic response, affecting the Valve Reactor circuit, which uses a real 12AX7 valve to provide more realistic valve-driven tone and response. The AD15VT follows a "chrome" theme, in fact, one magazine ad campaign from Vox used the theme, "Go Chrome or Go Home." Chrome plated Vox logos and a chrome plated steel grill highlighted this theme. While modelling amps have yet to equal the amplifiers they set out to imitate (in terms of feel as well as sound), they're getting closer all the time. The Valvetronix comes closer than most, no doubt due to its ingenious hybrid design, which features a miniature valve power stage followed by a pair of 60W solid-state amplifiers. I found it much easier to get a usable and believable sound than I did from my old Line 6 Flextone combo, but then the Flextone is now quite an old design, and was also very much cheaper than the Valvetronix. The AD15VTis not loud enough for gigging, but it is a very versatile practice amp. Thepower amp level control that allows you to reduce the output wattage of the power amp that is common to the AD30VT, AD50VT, and AD100VT is not included in the AD15VT.

The intricate modelling technology, a legacy of the Valvetronix series, provides an exhaustive range of varied amp sounds. With 11 amp models (extended to 20 types when using the editor/librarian software), you can recreate the sound of some of the most coveted tube amps amongst guitarists, encompassing elusive vintage amps and high-end boutique amps. Models of the newest high-gain amps are also incorporated, delivering the versatility you require for a spectrum of playing styles and genres. On-board effects DELUXE CL、TWEED 4×10、VOX AC30、BOUTIQUE OD、VOX AC30TB、BRIT 800、BRIT OR MKII、DOUBLE REC、BOUTIQUE CL、BRIT 1959、BOUTIQUE METAL EFFECTS:The AD50VTis loud enough for full band use. The Celestion 70-80 12"speaker can offer traditional British clean or overdriven tones. Arear panel power amp level control allows you to reduce the output power of the AD50VTall the way from 50 watts to one watt. In the main modulation section, the chorus stands up well against analogue pedals, while the flanger is the closest I've heard to an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress for a long time. While not entirely accurate, the rotary effect is nice, too. The unproblematic phaser and tremolo do pretty much as you'd expect. This hybrid physical modelling, valve and solid-state design, presented in a classic AC30-style format, aims to offer the best of all possible worlds. How far does it succeed?

Everything about the Valvetronix is extremely intuitive. It utilises familiar guitar-amp controls (Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence and Master volume), augmented by a rotary Amp Type selector switch, plus dedicated effects sections that each have controls very similar to what you'd expect on a simple stomp box. The VT50 followed a "chrome" theme, in fact, one magazine ad campaign from Vox used the theme, "Go Chrome or Go Home." Chrome plated Vox logos and a chrome plated steel grill highlighted this theme.

The Brit amp co revamps an old favourite

The Vox Valvetronix series artfully marries state-of-the-art digital technology with timeless analogue circuitry, integrating authentic vacuum tubes into the structure. Models like VT20X and VT40X utilise a Valvetronix preamp within their multi-stage amplification circuit. This circuit faithfully mirrors the unique distortion, swift response, and tonal characteristics that are exclusive to classic tube amps and simply cannot be duplicated by digital technology in isolation. Analogue and digital in perfect harmony The blend of a meticulously sealed chassis along with a unique bass-reflex design ensures the efficient delivery of potent sound and a profound low-end, without generating any undesirable resonances. These amplifiers are capable of producing a sound of immense magnitude, significantly surpassing their physical size. Fine tune with Tone Room software

The incredible sound quality you'll experience with the VT40X is driven by VET (Virtual Elements Technology). Instead of simply imitating the final output of the original amplifier, VET dives deeper, modelling right down to the intricate details of components and circuits. This way, VET faithfully mirrors the distinctive features of the original amp in its most authentic form. Multi-stage tube amp Other old favourites such as Boutique OD (based on a Dumble) and a Double Rectifier have more dynamic range, with a sweeter, more detailed top-end that comes almost uncomfortably close to the real thing. The effects are equally impressive, with a choice of 12 onboard modulations, delays, reverbs, overdrives and distortions, as well as a handy noise reduction. The upgraded capabilities of the DSP has significantly enhanced the sound quality of each amp model. Our use of highly advanced DSP has led to remarkable improvements, not only in the sampling rate and the audio output of each amp model, but also in the quality of the effects that form the core of sound shaping. Innovative design Finally, there's the reverb, which is pretty limited in that you can't vary the decay time, but sounds absolutely right for use with a guitar amplifier. The Spring emulation is especially effective. All three variations have a hint of spring-like flutter, but on an electric guitar they sound quite authentic. Summing UpThe incredible sound quality you'll experience with the VT20X is driven by VET (Virtual Elements Technology). Instead of simply imitating the final output of the original amplifier, VET dives deeper, modelling right down to the intricate details of components and circuits. This way, VET faithfully mirrors the distinctive features of the original amp in its most authentic form. Multi-stage tube amp There are few surprises in the effects section, though the U-Vibe and Octave settings in the pedal section are rather unexpected. These work much like their pedal equivalents, so when using the Octave (octave divider) setting you need to play monophonically. U-Vibe is based on the Univibe pedal and sounds like a hybrid of phasing and modulated EQ -- perfect for those slow Hendrix numbers.

The Vox VT20X is not just another guitar amp. It's a comprehensive tool that offers guitarists a full palette of sounds and tones. From the clarity of high tones to the depth of lows, this amp ensures that every note you play resonates with precision and quality. The Tone Room editor/librarian software is designed for use with the VT20X and VT40X. Beyond conventional amp and effect editing, this software allows you to tweak parameters in such depth that it's akin to crafting your very own musical instrument. Once you've successfully transformed your ideal sound into reality, you can save up to three of your customised amps/effects within the amp. Besides Windows and Mac versions, Tone Room is also available for iOS, offering you the flexibility to edit on almost any device. Up to 20 true-to-life amp models The number of amp models has increased (there are three variations on each of 11 amp types), and these are augmented by 11 stomp‑box effects, 11 modulation/delay effects, and three types of reverb. All three effect sections can be used together in addition to the in‑built noise gate. There's a useful range of presets, and eight user memories, which can be recalled from the front panel or via an optional footswitch. There's also an integral guitar tuner. The amp makes the right sounds at sensible levels, and it's adjustable enough to do some serious tone shaping without making life complicated. It has a rather less loose‑sounding bass end than the AD30VT that I still use, and I preferred its general tonality to that of the VT30 model, which I found sounded a hint 'unyielding'. I've had great results miking up my little Vox AD30VT guitar amp, and the VT40+ reviewed here is Vox's second upgrade to that model. This range of amps is so useful in the studio because their sound is virtually independent of the output level: there's a separate Power Level control, so if you want to get a big sound while driving only a couple of watts into the speaker, you can. These amps also include a speaker‑emulated headphone output that can be used for DI recording, and this mutes the speaker, which can be very handy in a domestic recording setup.The AD50VT follows a "chrome" theme, in fact, one magazine ad campaign from Vox used the theme, "Go Chrome or Go Home." Chrome plated Vox logos and a chrome plated steel grill highlighted this theme. Whether you choose to use the effects, use your own pedals, or process after recording using plug‑ins, this little amp works really well in the studio, particularly if you're prepared to use a mic, rather than go for the DI option — though the latter doesn't sound bad if you need to keep the levels down.